I ditched sit-ups for this 4-move dumbbell workout — here’s what happened to my core

by Universalwellnesssystems March 30, 2025

written by Universalwellnesssystems March 30, 2025

My abs are always difficult to train, so why not push it even further? I traded the usual ab exercises and Russian twists and trained for 4-Move Dumbbell and really got things up. I’ve been doing this routine for the past week and can be seen as burning to a whole new level.

I’m a huge fan of the fitness trainers behind this workout, Sandisklerbecause she feels that her training is realistic and accessible, whether I’m in the gym or at home. Unlike the picturesquely perfect fitness influencer who shoots in an untouched studio with matching workout sets, Sklar keeps it real.

She shows up in the garden or living room, and proves that she wears something comfortable and doesn’t need a flashy set up because she’s strong. Her incredible physique speaks for itself – she clearly puts it in the piece – but she makes fitness feel more feasible than intimidating.

View Sandy Sklar’s 4-MoveDumbbell Workout for the Core

If you haven’t seen the Sklar demo above, here’s what you need to know to try out Dumbbell Core Blast. We aim to complete all four exercises listed below in a circuit format and get rest, but we aim to take short breaks if necessary. Sklar recommends running a total of 2-4 sets.

Rebellion column x 20 total
High board with Alt. Total of 20 knee-to-elbow drive
Pull crunch x 15
Raise the lying leg at Hipprays x 15

Skillers got heavier, so I got heavier

First off: Just because Sklar uses heavy dumbbells in the video doesn’t mean he has to do the same thing. This applies to any training you try. I was stuck with my core training and felt ready for the challenge so I decided to raise the weight. But what do you guess? I finally reduced the weight and went through the complete circuit.

Choosing heavy weight will make your exercise feel more challenging, but it’s not worth it if you stop compromising your form or finishing up your set. Lifting impressive weights is easy, but it can counterproductively be the case if your form is suffering or risks getting injured. So I adjusted the weight to make sure I was still challenging myself, but not to the point where I couldn’t finish in the right form.

It worked on the core and upper body

I knew this workout would be a pretty solid challenge for my core, and after a few rounds the burns couldn’t be denied. I wanted to stop a part of me, but I also longed for satisfaction after exercise.

As I pushed through, I was more aware of how each movement involved a different muscle. The rebellion line came back with my shoulders and worked hard to stabilize me, but the pullover crunch worked my rats and breasts along with my abs. A plank-high drive tested the endurance of my arms, upper body, and wrapped my hip flexors around me as I pulled my knee to my chest.

This wasn’t just a core workout. It was a complete upper body challenge packed into four intense movements.

I won’t be able to keep up with this every day

If you are a regular reader of the fitness section of Tom’s Guide, you will know that we love a good challenge. Whether you’re walking on a 5k weight vest every day or committing to a week of AB exercises, I love testing my workouts. The same was true for Sklar’s routine, but I was committed to doing it every week.

By the fourth day, I was feeling it. Just being there for laughs, bends and training reminded me of all the reps. By the seventh day, my core wanted a break and I was tired of doing the same moves every day.

If there is one thing that has strengthened this challenge, it is that diversity is important in any training routine. Your muscles need time to recover and mix things up and your workout will keep you feeling fresh and motivated. Sticking to the same routine every day may sound productive, but giving your body a different challenge is equally important for progress and long-term consistency.

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